The dad-of-one, who doesn't even own a pooch, makes three four-hour trips a week to hunt down dog dumps, plotting his route in advance on AA route planner.

He was inspired to take up his canine crusade after son, Lucca, seven, slipped in dog mess on his way to school.

Gavin's war is on irresponsible dog owners who spoil the streets of his home town, Kelso, in the Scottish Borders. He hopes to shame councillors and local politicians into taking tougher action against regular offenders.

Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, John Lamont, wrote: “I admire you for tackling this issue. I have contacted Scottish Borders Council on your behalf to see how the council might be able to support you."

Across the UK it is estimated that the nation's eight million dogs produce 1,000 tonnes of mess annually, much of which ends up left on the streets.

Dog fouling has been an issue for councils across the UK. In 2014 Fife council wardens began using thermal imaging equipment to track the recent 'products' left behind by night-time dog walkers.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesman said: “A number of initiatives have been launched, including the Green Dog Walker Scheme. Over 200 people have so far signed up to the community-led scheme since it was introduced in April 2016.

“A dog wellbeing day and several microchipping events have also been held.

“Consultation with members of the public on the strategy has shown the majority believe the council is doing more to tackle this problem.

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At the same time, we recognise dog fouling remains an issue but it is one which cannot be solely tackled by the Council, particularly when demand on public services is increasing while budgets are being squeezed. With this in mind Gavin should rightly be praised for playing his part in his community and we would be happy to work closely with him."

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